Animal models of ocular allergy

Abstract

Several animal models are currently being used in the study of ocular allergy. These include different strains within the mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit and dog species. Continuing investigations are needed to elucidate the complex molecular and cellular processes involved in the pathogenesis of ocular allergies. A better understanding of the interplay of effector cells, cytokines, adhesion molecules and a number of other inflammatory mediators will broaden our knowledge of the pathophysiology of ocular allergy and allow improved therapeutic options for this disease.

An eye on the dog as the scientist's best friend for translational research in ophthalmology: Focus on the ocular surface

“…293 Over the past few decades, extensive research on small laboratory species (mice, rats, guinea pigs) has helped elucidate some of the complex molecular and cellular processes involved in the pathogenesis of ocular allergies. 294,295 However, these experiments primarily relied on a relatively small selection of allergens (e.g., ovalbumin, compound 48/80, ragweed pollen), using an experimental design that merely mimics acute forms of the disease-not chronic allergen exposure over months to years-therefore limiting the long-term clinical significance of these findings. On the other hand, dogs possess notable benefits for the comparative study of allergic conjunctivitis, especially when considering companion animals rather than laboratory Beagles: (i) these animals share the same environment (and related allergens) as their human owners, unlike commonly used species who are housed in a laboratory setting; (ii) companion dogs are outbred, providing a genetic diversity background that better reflects the human population than inbred laboratory species; and (iii) dogs develop a spontaneous form of allergic conjunctivitis.…”

“…The disease is characterized by an immunopathological reaction of the ocular surface to the external environment, resulting in clinical symptoms that range from mild conjunctivitis (seasonal or perennial) to the more severe, vision‐threatening vernal keratoconjunctivitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis 293 . Over the past few decades, extensive research on small laboratory species (mice, rats, guinea pigs) has helped elucidate some of the complex molecular and cellular processes involved in the pathogenesis of ocular allergies 294,295 . However, these experiments primarily relied on a relatively small selection of allergens (e.g., ovalbumin, compound 48/80, ragweed pollen), using an experimental design that merely mimics acute forms of the disease—not chronic allergen exposure over months to years—therefore limiting the long‐term clinical significance of these findings.…”

Histamine-Induced Conjunctivitis and Breakdown of Blood–Tear Barrier in Dogs: A Model for Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics

“…Of note, histamine is not only associated with ocular allergies but also implicated in general inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and possibly cancer (Branco et al, 2018). Ocular allergy was not the scope of the present study, as many models and detailed descriptions of the condition already exist (Bundoc and Keane-Myers, 2003; Lourenço-Martins et al, 2011).…”

Translational Preclinical Pharmacologic Disease Models for Ophthalmic Drug Development

“…Several preclinical models in rodents, rabbit and dog have been described which capture aspects of allergic response phase and ocular allergy disease severity (10). Primary pharmacodynamic activity for fast acting anti-inflammatory drugs which target histamine H1 receptor and/or mast cell stabilization or alternative immune modulatory mechanisms have been supported using histamine treatment, compound 48/80 treatment, and antigen-challenge induction models (11,12).…”